Casemiro Backs Man Utd Star as Perfect Replacement While Real Madrid Circle
Manchester United are reportedly engaged in "advanced discussions" to acquire Newcastle United's midfielder Bruno Guimarães for $91.9 million (£69.1 million), positioning him as Casemiro's successor.
As reported by Reuters, Casemiro—whose departure from Old Trafford is confirmed when his contract expires in the coming months—has "personally endorsed" Guimarães to United. The Brazilian views his national team colleague as a "perfect replacement" given his "leadership qualities and experience."
The duo have been teammates for Brazil's national squad since Guimarães earned his first cap in 2020. He possesses comparable attributes to Casemiro, who has established himself as a top-tier defensive midfielder, while also demonstrating box-to-box capabilities and goal-scoring prowess.
Reports suggest there has been "preliminary contact" indicating "reciprocal interest" in completing the transfer.
The Newcastle skipper's future has become a topic of speculation following the team's Champions League exit and the probability that the Magpies won't secure qualification for next season's tournament.
Real Madrid Keen on Signing a Midfielder
The same report indicates there is also "revived" interest in Guimarães from Real Madrid, which could create complications for Manchester United. Los Blancos previously attempted to secure the player from Lyon in 2022, only to be outbid by financially powerful Newcastle at that juncture.
The initial pursuit was spearheaded by Carlo Ancelotti, who no longer manages Real Madrid but maintains influence through his role as Brazil's coach, "supporting" another potential move.
Real Madrid have been compelled to concentrate their recruitment efforts on other areas of the field in recent seasons, but the midfield requires urgent attention after failing to replace either Toni Kroos or Luka Modrić over the past two transfer windows. Speculation now suggests Eduardo Camavinga might be available for sale.
Would Guimarães Signing Change Man Utd's Summer Priority?
United were already speculated to be seeking a new midfielder well before Casemiro's situation was resolved. If Guimarães, considered among the world's elite in his role, serves as a direct substitute for the five-time Champions League champion, the shortage of depth in midfield would persist.
However, if nearly $100 million is invested in Guimarães, 28, it's uncertain whether the club would continue pursuing Elliot Anderson—priced above $130 million—or choose a more affordable option to provide necessary squad depth alongside Kobbie Mainoo and the rarely featured Manuel Ugarte. Anderson is also attracting interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
The club anticipates having an enhanced budget due to a probable Champions League return and the substantial revenue the competition provides, but interim manager Michael Carrick has hinted at interest in a left winger, with other positions requiring reinforcement if the club aims to progress toward their goal of reclaiming the Premier League title by 2028.